Join the European Union Year of Skills closing event

For the last 12 months, the European Union (EU) has been championing the skills and skilled people that power its industries and economies. European Year of Skills has delivered a critical message around addressing the skills gap in the EU, highlighting the need to train people in digital and green technology skills.

The European Year of Skills launched on 9 May 2023 with four clear objectives:

• To promote investment in training and upskilling.
• To ensure skills match the needs of employers.
• To match people’s aspirations and skills sets with opportunities.
• To attract people with in-demand skills from outside the EU.

As a long-term collaborator of the European Union, WorldSkills has been supporting the initiative throughout the year, most recently at the Champions of Excellence event in Brussels in February. Over 400 young people met with 35 WorldSkills, EuroSkills, and Abilympics Champions representing more than 20 different skills, to learn more about the opportunities that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) can open up.

Now, as the year comes to an end, the European Union is marking the year with a living legacy to skilled people through the creation of Real People, Real Skills. This digital platform tells the stories of over 200 skilled people across the region, including those of WorldSkills Champions. The hope is that the platform will inspire anyone thinking of upskilling or reskilling, as well as encouraging policy makers and government ministers to elevate TVET within their national strategies and invest more in the skilled workforce of the future.

On 30 April 2024, the European Year of Skills will culminate in an event entitled The European Year of Skills: What Comes Next?. The event, held in Brussels and online, will bring together hundreds of participants to celebrate achievements, exchange knowledge, and offer fresh perspectives on the future of skills development in Europe. Prominent politicians and thought leaders will join panels and discussion groups to reflect on the road ahead for skills.

Register to attend the event either in person or online.